The Prince of Wales declared it was “the best day of my life” after playfully spraying pond water at journalists during a visit to environmental firm NatureMetrics.
Prince William eagerly joined schoolchildren in aiming syringes filled with cloudy pond water at photographers and reporters, all in the name of scientific sampling.
“Oh nearly, so nearly,” the future King quipped as their attempts to spray the press fell short.
The lighthearted moment came as William participated in collecting DNA samples at the Guildford-based company, where he joked, “Does this mean you can find the Loch Ness monster?”
NatureMetrics, a finalist in William’s Earthshot Prize awards project, specialises in analysing environmental data to create comprehensive maps of life in forests, lakes and air.
Dr Kat Bruce, the company’s founder, guided the Prince through the DNA sampling process alongside local schoolchildren.
The sampling technique involves collecting environmental DNA through filtered syringes filled with pond water.
“We always have fun when we’re doing sampling,” Dr Bruce explained. “That’s why everyone loves doing it, because once you’ve done it a couple of times you’re like ‘Oh we can have a bit of fun with this, where can we spray.'”
After the outdoor activities, William donned a white coat and gloves to tour NatureMetrics’ laboratories, where he assisted with DNA extraction from samples.
The Prince was shown the complete process, including a DNA extraction machine that produces code sequences capable of identifying organisms from bacteria to blue whales.
Speaking to NatureMetrics CEO Dimple Patel, William emphasised the crucial role of data in environmental work.
“This is fantastic you guys have got this ability to be able to tell us what’s really there,” he said. “What we need is to be able to understand bigger, large-scale projects as to what is in each area.”
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
- James Middleton makes his feelings clear after Edoardo’s emotional message to Beatrice
- William sparks confusion as he says Harry was ‘under the weather’ in latest outing
- William steps out on the same day as Beatrice announcement
NatureMetrics has established a significant global presence, serving more than 600 clients across 110 countries, including major organisations like Forestry England, Nestle, Unilever and WWF.
The company recently secured £20 million in investment, facilitated through the Earthshot Prize’s investment platform Launchpad.
Dr Bruce reflected on the company’s journey, noting she had to overcome “naysayers” in the early stages of establishing the business.
She described the company’s involvement with the Earthshot Prize, which was held in Cape Town, as an “exciting whirlwind.”
